Ashu’s Curiosity
Every year with the advent of winter, Ashu observes that his mother starts using a golden brownish powder in preparing their daily meals.
In the raw form, this powder tastes like ginger. Later when he asked his mother about it, she informed him that this powder is nothing but dry ginger powder.
She also told him that consuming Sonth powder in winter can have multiple health benefits. So, she uses it in all sorts of cooking practices.
But Ashu is unconvinced by the answer of his mother, so he again searched about the Health benefits of Sonth, its uses and side effects on Know Ur Diet. Let us see what he finds:
What is Sonth Powder?
Sonth or Saunth is a commonly used Indian spice primarily consumed in winter. To obtain Sonth, fresh ginger is dried under sunlight to eliminate water molecules. Once the ginger is completely dried, it is crushed or ground into fine particles.
Sonth is known to be warm, which means you should consume it, especially in winter. This traditional spice is used in various ways in Indian kitchens, including gravy, tea, desserts, and even grilled recipes.
Read more about: Spices & Herbs
Interesting Fact about Sonth Powder
Sonth or Saunth is mentioned in the book Charaka Samhita, a text dedicated to Indian traditional medicines. In one of its chapters, “Athaharayogivarga,” the benefits of dry ginger powder are well-described.
Historians believe that Sonth originated in India and China where it was used as a spice. Even, the Chinese explorer Fa-Hien who travelled to India, mentioned the preparation of Sonth through dry ginger.
Health Benefits of Sonth
As we mentioned above, Sonth is primarily used due to several health benefits it can provide in the winter season. Let us see 8 of them below:
Boosts Immunity
Dietitians and nutritionists recommend adding a pinch of sonth powder in foods and drinks because it carries a lot of antioxidants. These antioxidants are helpful in reducing the risk of illnesses, especially during winter.
These antioxidants help you eliminate all external microbes and pathogens as well as free radicals that can damage cells.
Improves Digestion
Indian kitchens use Sonth extensively because it can improve digestion. Historically, this dry ginger powder can help in comforting stomach issues like bloating and indigestion.
Secondly, compounds in Sonth can activate digestive enzymes like trypsin and lipase. These enzymes are responsible for the faster breakdown and absorption of proteins and fats in the intestine.
Cures Cough and Cold
The list of health benefits of Sonth also includes its ability to treat cough and cold during the winter season. Some bioactive compounds in Sonth have anti-inflammatory properties that can pacify the inflammations in throats and respiratory areas.
As we know, Sonth is made from dry ginger powder, it contains gingerols & shogaols that can provide you relief against the microbes causing congestion in the respiratory tract.
Good for Joints
Sonth has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it good for reducing inflammation in joints. Compounds like cedrol and shogaol in Sonth powder can lower the inflammation in joint tissues.
Applying Sonth powder by mixing it with oil like mustard oil on joints can provide relief in joint pain and Arthritis.
Helps in Skin Care
Dry ginger powder or Sonth powder is also a good option for improving the quality of skin. Due to the presence of antioxidants and its anti-inflammatory properties, Sonth can be helpful in detoxifying your skin cells.
Also, Sonth can reduce acne and wrinkles on the skin and it promotes an anti-ageing process. It has compounds that can increase the elasticity of the skin and maintain the skin tone.
Relieves Flatulence Problem
Flatulence or Farting is not just a digestion problem but it can cause embarrassment in the social life. Bloating is a primary reason behind the excessive gas generation in the stomach area. Sonth contains bioactive compounds that pacify the bloating in the stomach and minimise gas creation.
Doctors recommend taking Sonth water in the morning to get relief from the farting or flatulence problem.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
The last but important health benefit of the Sonth is that it can help in regulating blood sugar levels. Zinc present in the Sonth is a nutrient that promotes the secretion of insulin, a hormone that synthesizes sugar present in the blood.
Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Studies have shown that regular consumption of Sonth in different ways can reduce the LDL cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol) or triglycerides in your body. It is also found that bioactive compounds in dry ginger promote HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol) levels.
Moreover, lowering bad cholesterol in your body is helpful against cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack.
Is Sonth Powder Good for New Moms or Pregnant Women?
Traditionally, Indian families have preferred Sonth powder as a spice to prepare foods for the new mom. There are multiple health benefits of Sonth for new moms ranging from energy boost to strengthening immunity.
Sonth is also considered a good option for pregnant women to relieve morning sickness and digestive issues.
Uses of Sonth Powder
Following are some ways in which Sonth powder is used in Indian Kitchens and for medicinal purposes:
Ayurvedic Treatment
For centuries Sonth or dry ginger has been considered an essential ingredient for preparing Ayurvedic medicines to treat health issues including Digestion, Common cold and Inflammation problems.
Home Remedies
Sonth can be used for preparing different home remedies to cure health problems like high cholesterol, digestion and the common cold. Drinking Sonth water in the morning with an empty stomach can provide relief in digestion and cholesterol.
Culinary Uses
In the winter season, Sonth Laddus are a regular dessert in Indian households. There are various ways in which you can utilise Sonth to prepare recipes like Sonth Laddu, Sonth chutney and Sonth besan barfi.
In Beverages
You can add 1-3 grams of Sonth powder to your daily intake by mixing it with different beverages. You can take it with masala chai, warm milk or Kadha to tackle problems like the common cold and boost immunity.
Sonth Side Effects
Consumption of Sonth more than the recommended quantity can have serious health risks. Some of these side effects are:
Burning Sensations
Although, Soth powder is considered good for health, consuming it in more than the recommended quantity can alleviate burning sensations in the stomach and chest.
Avoid in Summer
Due to its warm nature, Sonth is preferred during winter but the same makes it avoidable during summer. Over-consumption in summer can lead to diarrhea and even dehydration.
Interference with Medication
Although it is rare, Sonth powder can interfere with other medicines. This is especially possible with medications related to blood thinners, diabetes and blood pressure. If you are taking these medicines then first take doctor’s advice before including Sonth in your diet.
Conclusion
Ashu is now well aware of the health benefits of Sonth, especially during winter. Prepared from dry ginger, Sonth is even mentioned in Ayurveda for curing multiple health conditions. There are various uses of Sonth Powder such as in gravies, beverages and salads.
There are certain Sonth Side effects that you can face if you consume more than the recommended quantity. Some Indian recipes like Sonth Laddu and Sonth Chutney can be prepared by including Sonth.
